Demonstration device for flying sport devices

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a demonstration device for powerless flying devices and, in particular, flying sport devices such as jumping skis ( 9 ) or parasails and for bird-human costumes ( 20, 23 ). The inventive device has the following features: a suspending device ( 11 ) for the individual(s), which holds the individual(s) in a position that would be assumed during an actual flight using the respective flying device, and; a support ( 30, 31, 32 ) that is connected to the suspending device in such a manner that the trajectory of the individual(s) located in the suspending device is essentially determined by the movement of the support and not by the flying device connected to the individual(s).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a demonstration device for powerlessflying devices and in particular flying sports devices, such as e.g.jumping skis or parasails and for bird-human costumes etc.

Such devices can firstly assist in giving interested parties animpression a certain type of sport, which “feeling” this type of sporthas.

Secondly, such equipment can be put to use at folk festivals, commercialevents, in discos, on beaches, in ski jumping or other sporting eventsetc. This list is of course not exhaustive.

PRIOR ART

The attempt has been made to suspend a hang-glider with a suspension forexample on a crane, so that the individual “applied” to the hang-gliderfloats as usual together with the glider. The suspension, which appliesto the hang-glider, gives the individual a realistic sensation via themovement of a hang-glider, but for inexperienced individuals and forchildren in particular such a demonstration of a hang-glider is notwithout risk.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a demonstration device forpowerless flying devices, which impart a realistic sensation of movementwith this flying device, but which also is not at all dangerous forinexperienced individuals.

A solution according to the present invention to this task is specifiedin claim 1. Further developments of the invention are the object of thefollowing two claims.

According to the present invention the demonstration device has asuspending device for the individual(s), which the individual(s) holdsin a position, which would be assumed during an actual flight with therespective flying device, and a stand, connected to the suspendingdevice, such that the trajectory of the individual(s) in the suspendingdevice is determined substantially by the movement of the stand or theindividual attached to the stand and not by the flying device attachedto the individual(s). In this case the suspending device is notseparated from the stand, so that the required safety is always present.

It has been surprisingly found that the individual(s) experiences aneven more realistic sensation of flying if the suspending device is“applied” to the individual and not to the flying device. Above all,when compared to the above-mentioned known demonstration device thesafety aspect is substantially higher, because the flight path relevantfor safety is determined practically exclusively by the movement of thestand. Also, inexperienced movements made by the individuals in thesuspending device cannot cause a dangerous situation. Yet it is possibleto afford the individual(s) attached to the stand by means of suspendingdevices a certain clearance in movement, for example the individuals candescribe tilting motions about their longitudinal axis.

The inventive process can be put to use for a wide range of flyingsports devices, such as e.g. jumping skis, parasails, parachutes,hang-glider, light aircraft, but also for show effects, such as e.g. forbird-human costumes.

In a preferred further development the stand, which can be a crane forexample and in particular a construction crane, is designed such that itallows at least an upwards motion of the individual(s) on the ground,preferably a horizontal motion with optionally an overriding verticalmotion, and then allows the individual(s) to be set on the groundwithout separation between suspending device and stand—differently tobungee jumping, for example.

A particularly realistic sensation of movement is obtained by the standor the crane additionally describing a rotary motion. The sensation ofmovement is improved even more if the suspending device is designed suchthat it allows a tilting motion of the individuals about theirlongitudinal and/or transverse axis, in particular by the intrinsicmotion of the individual(s).

In place of a crane, however, it is also possible to utilise otherstands, such as for example travelling cranes or crane trolleys or thelike, such as are often available for example in factories. Furthermore,it is possible that the stand has one or more rope and steel ropes inparticular, on which one or more elements move, to which the suspendingdevices are attached. These elements can be powered or can be moved by apushing-off movement by the respective individual from a platform or thelike.

In any case the inventive demonstration device can be utilised both atoutdoors events and “indoors”, thus for example in discos or otherhalls.

It is also particularly preferable if a control device is provided forthe stand, allowing execution of the individual movements of thesuspending device as reaction to movements of the respectiveindividual(s). This gives the respective individual the sensation thathe is performing his movements by means of the flying device itself.

In addition, more than one suspending device can be attached to thestand, whereby the suspending devices in particular can be movedindependently, i.e. relative to one another.

In a ski jump or ski flight demonstration preferably conventionaljumping skis are used. Preferably in combination with a suit, dress oroveralls worn by the respective individual, or by means of his own belt,the individual(s) is lifted up along with the skis by means of a steelrope or generally a suspension on a stand, such as a crane or a hoist,and then set down. In particular the skier himself can also be includedin the suspension or attached thereto.

One or more individuals wearing birdman costumes can be attached to thestand, who make “fluttering movements”, and who move by correspondingmovements of the suspending devices as if they were flying. Here it isparticularly preferred if in each case several suspending devices arecombined into one group, which are in each case attached to a“sub-stand”, whereby the individual sub-stands can move against oneanother, and the individuals attached to the respective sub-stands canlikewise move optionally in their respective suspending devices relativeto one another. This can give rise to the impression of a “mobile”.

The particular advantage to the inventive demonstration device is thatthe suspending device and/or wings, chutes or dragonfly wings and/or thestand can be used as advertising surfaces for sponsors or other firms(slogan: Red Bull gives you wings).

It is also possible, however, that more than two individuals areaccommodated in each flying sports device.

By way of example with two individuals, jointly wearing a “birdmancostume”, each individual can move one wing. The tail can be moved inaddition by an individual or by a third individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAM

The invention will now be described hereinbelow by way of examplewithout limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments andwith reference to the diagram, to which reference is expressly made withrespect to disclosing all details not explained in greater detail in thetext, in which:

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b are a side elevation and perspective view of a firstembodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 1 c and 1 d are a modification of the first embodiment in a sideelevation and in a plan view,

FIG. 1 e is a further modification,

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are a second embodiment of the invention in a planview and a front elevation, and

FIG. 3 is a modification of the second embodiment for two individuals.

EXPLANATION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a demonstration device for jumping ski as first embodimentfor a demonstration device for powerless flying devices.

The demonstration device has a suspending device, which in theillustrated embodiment holds an individual in a position, which thisindividual would assume during ski jumping or ski flight. For this, thesuspending device has an approximately cylindrical part 1, designed suchthat it firmly encloses the upper body of a (not shown) individual.Openings in the part 1 for the arms are designed by reference numeral2.2 and for the head are designated by reference numeral 3. On the basisof this design the (not shown) individual is held securely in part 1 andcan move from the hips down, so that the legs can assume the typicalposition for ski jumpers.

Attached to the cylindrical part 1 at an angle of approximately 90° is asupport 4, at the free end of which an eyelet 5 is provided forfastening to a stand, not illustrated here, which is connected to thesuspending device such that the trajectory of the individual(s) in thesuspending device is determined substantially by the movement of thestand and not by the jumping skis connected to the individual(s). Thesupport 4 is attached approximately at the centre of gravity of theindividual held in the suspending device.

In addition, an adjusting mechanism is provided, with which the inclineof the cylindrical part 1 can be adjusted relative to the stand, notillustrated here. In the illustrated embodiment this adjustmentmechanism has a rope pull 6, whereof one end is linked to part 1approximately at shoulder height of the individual. The rope 6 is guidedover the support 4 to an extension 1 of the part 1 and rolled a coil 7.The other end of the rope 6 is then clamped in a (belaying) clamp 8. Thecoil 7 is attached at the rear end of the jumping ski 9. An angle 10 canoptionally serve this purpose, which is attached to both rear ski ends,so that at the same time it acts to stabilise the jumping ski 9. Also,provided on the underside of the part 1 is an eyelet 11, through which arope 12 is guided, whereof the end is applied to both skis 9 in front ofthe binding, not illustrated.

By adjusting the length of the rope 6 at the same time the incidence ofthe jumping ski 9 relative to part 1 can be limited to a specific anglerange.

Furthermore, a threaded rod 13, which passes through the ski 9, isprovided to stabilise the V-position of the skis 9. The size of the V'scan be adjusted by nuts, not shown here.

FIGS. 1 c and 1 d show a modification of the first embodiment, in whichtwo profiles 14 are provided extending in the direction of thetransverse axis of the cylindrical part 1, and which hold the support 4.A rail 15, in which a control element 16 is guided, connects theprofiles 14, whereof the other end is linked to pivot displaceably inthe vicinity of the free end of the support 4. With moving the element16 in the rail 15 the incline of part 1 can be adjusted relative to thestand.

FIG. 1 e shows another embodiment, in which the suspending device isintegrated into a jump suit. In this case identical or correspondingparts are provided with the same reference numerals. 30 designates acrane, 31 a crane jib and 32 designates a rope coil attached to thecrane jib.

FIG. 2 shows in a plan view and a front elevation a second embodiment ofthe invention as a demonstration of “birdmen”. Here, identical parts, inparticular the suspending device as in FIG. 1, are provided with thesame reference numeral. Therefore, a separate description is dispensedwith.

Attached to part 1 on both sides in each case is a wing 20 in the formof a bird wing or an insect wing, such as a dragonfly wing, each ofwhich can be swivelled about an axis 21 parallel to the longitudinalaxis of part 1. Attached to each wing 20 is a grip 22, such that theindividual in the suspending device can execute a wing beat. A rubberrope 22 ensures that the respective wing 20 is reset downwards thenupwards during a movement. An element, not shown, limits the wingmovement in a downward direction. It is also possible to provide atriangular mounting, which prevents any tilting motion during the wingbeat.

FIG. 3 shows a modification of the second embodiment, in which twosuspending devices 1 are attached near one another for two individuals.Each of the individuals operates one wing. A tail 23 is also provided,which can be mobile, and is moved by one or both of the individuals.

The invention has been described hereinabove by means of embodiments. Itis understood that a wide range of variations within the generalinventive idea is possible. Therefore the use of the term “bird-humancostume” does not mean that the costume must emulate a bird. The costumecan also imitate insects, such as dragonflies, Biene Maja etc. or anaircraft.

1. A demonstration device for powerless flying devices and in particularflying sports devices, such as e.g. jumping skis or parasails and forbird-human costumes, having the following characteristics: a suspendingdevice for the individual(s), which the individual(s) holds in aposition, which he would assume during actual flight with the respectiveflying device, a stand, connected to the suspending device such that thetrajectory of the individual(s) held in the suspending device isdetermined substantially by the movement of the stand and by the flyingdevice attached to the individual(s).
 2. The demonstration device asclaimed in claim 1, characterised in that the stand is designed suchthat it allows an upwards movement of the individual(s) on the ground, ahorizontal movement with optionally an overriding vertical movement,after which the individual(s) is set down on the ground withoutseparation between suspending device and stand.
 3. The demonstrationdevice as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the stand is acrane.
 4. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 3, characterisedin that the crane additionally executes a rotary motion.
 5. Thedemonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4,characterised in that the suspending device is designed such that itallows a tilting motion of the individuals about their longitudinaland/or transverse axis.
 6. The demonstration device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a control mechanism isprovided for the stand, which allows execution of the individualmovements of the suspending device as reaction to movements of eachindividual(s).
 7. The demonstration device as claimed in any one ofclaims 1 to 6, characterised in that the suspending device is anapproximately cylindrical part, designed such that it firmly enclosesthe upper body of an individual and allows movement of the individualfrom the hips down, and has a control mechanism with which the inclineof the cylindrical part can be adjusted relative to the stand.
 8. Thedemonstration device as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that thecylindrical part has openings for the arms and head.
 9. Thedemonstration device as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterised in that asupport, at the free end of which an eyelet is provided for fastening tothe stand, is attached to the cylindrical part at an angle ofapproximately 90°.
 10. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 9,characterised in that two profiles holding the support are providedextending in the direction of the transverse axis of the cylindricalpart.
 11. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 10, characterisedin that the profiles are connected to a rail, in which an adjustingelement is guided displaceably, whereof the other end is linked to pivotin the vicinity of the free end of the support.
 12. The demonstrationdevice as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, characterised in thatthe control mechanism has a rope pull.
 13. The demonstration device asclaimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that with use asa ski jump demonstration device a device is provided, which limits theincidence of the jumping ski relative at the horizontal to a specificangle range.
 14. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 13,characterised in that this device has a first rope, attached to bothskis in front of the binding, and a second rope, attached to the skiends.
 15. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 14, characterisedin that the length at least of the second rope can be adjusted.
 16. Thedemonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15,characterised in that a device is provided to stabilise the V-positionand/or the ski ends.
 17. The demonstration device as claimed in claim16, characterised in that the device for stabilising the V-position hasa threaded rod and the device for stabilising the ski ends has atriangle.
 18. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims13 to 17, characterised in that two ski jumpers are attached to a commonsub-stand, which is in turn attached to the actual stand.
 19. Thedemonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12,characterised in that when used for bird-human costumes etc. a wing,which can be swivelled about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axisof the suspending device, is attached to the suspending device on bothsides in each case, designed in the form of a bird wing, insect wing,aircraft wing etc.
 20. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 19,characterised in that a grip or a loop is attached to each wing, so thatthe individual in the suspending device can execute a wing beat.
 21. Thedemonstration device as claimed in claim 19 or 20, characterised in thatan elastic element, such as e.g. a rubber rope is attached on each wing,which resets the wing during movement downwards then upwards.
 22. Thedemonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21,characterised in that a stop, such as e.g. a steel rope, limits the wingmovement in a downwards direction.
 23. The demonstration device asclaimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, characterised in that a mobiletail is provided, which is designed in particular in the form of a birdor insect tail.
 24. The demonstration device as claimed in any one ofclaims 19 to 23, characterised in that two individuals are accommodatedin one “bird-human costume”, each of whom in each case operates onewing.
 25. The demonstration device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to24, characterised in that two or more suspending devices are attached toone stand.
 26. The demonstration device as claimed in claim 25,characterised in that the suspending devices can be moved independentlyof one another at least in one direction.
 27. The demonstration deviceas claimed in claim 26, characterised in that the suspending devices arearranged on the stand in the form of a mobile on sub-stands.